thinking

1 of 2

noun

think·​ing ˈthiŋ-kiŋ 

1

: the action of using one's mind to produce thoughts

2

a

: opinion, judgment

I'd like to know your thinking on this

b

: thought that is characteristic (as of a period, group, or person)

the current student thinking on fraternities

thinking

2 of 2

adjective

: marked by use of the intellect : rational

thinking citizens

thinkingly adverb

thinkingness noun

Synonyms

Adjective

• intelligent
• rational
• reasonable
• reasoning

Examples of thinking in a Sentence

Noun

Form your own opinions: don't let others do your thinking for you!

I've been doing some thinking about this, and I don't think you're right after all.

The school's curriculum encourages independent thinking.

A piece of quick thinking got us out of trouble.

I'd like to know your thinking on this.

What is the current thinking on the subject?

Adjective

Chess is a thinking man's game.

it's surprising to find thinking people who believe such nonsense

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Remember that diversity includes a diverse range of thinking and ideas, not simply demographics. 7. —Meridith Alexander, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

The filing mentions that Redstone and Korff would be afforded an opportunity to serve on the board, but their preference not to do so was confirmed to Deadline by a person familiar with their thinking. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024

Adjective

Nibert loved the free-thinking spirit of the village and its college. —Keith Bierygolick, Cincinnati.com, 28 Aug. 2019

Credit Gus Malzahn for being proactive and thinking long-term in choosing his starting quarterback. —Creg Stephenson | [e-mail], al, 22 Aug. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1674, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing thinking

• critical thinking
• deceive oneself into thinking
• forward-thinking
• lateral thinking
• put one's thinking cap on
• put on one's thinking cap
• thinking cap
• to someone's way of thinking
• wishful thinking

Kids Definition

thinking

1 of 2 noun

1

: the action of using one's mind to produce thoughts

2

a

: opinion sense 1, judgment

it is, to my thinking, utter nonsense

b

: thought entry 2 sense 2

the current thinking on the subject

thinking

2 of 2 adjective

: marked by use of the power of thinking

thinking citizens